איוב, פרק א׳, פסוק ט״ו

The first crushing blow in a series of disasters strikes Job. The exact date or year of this event is deliberately left unrecorded, serving as a subtle reminder that the lessons drawn from this tragedy are timeless and relevant to any era [תקות אנוש]. Chronologically, this catastrophe likely unfolds during the second round of feasts held by Job's children, as Job had already completed the sacrificial offerings following their first gathering [תקות אנוש].

The peace is shattered by a sudden, violent raid. The primary approach among commentators is that the kingdom or military camp of Sheba ambushes Job's estate, swarming the area to plunder and capture all of his livestock [רש״י, אבן עזרא, מצודת דוד, מצודת ציון, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. A unique tradition offers a different identity for the attacker, pointing specifically to Lilith, the Queen of Emerald [חומת אנך].

The invaders do not stop at stealing property; they brutally slaughter Job's entire staff. These workers, serving as guards, shepherds, and plowmen in the fields, are wiped out without mercy [רש״י, מצודת דוד, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. From the utter devastation, only a single individual manages to escape the danger [רש״י, מצודת ציון]. This lone survivor is one of the servants tasked with guarding the herds [רמב״ן]. Yet, his narrow escape is not meant to grant him a long life. He is spared for one singular, tragic purpose: to deliver the bitter news. According to the tradition of the Sages, the moment he finishes giving his devastating report to Job, the messenger himself dies [רש״י, מצודת דוד].